Ottawa County, MI (WGHN) – Ottawa County Emergency Management reminding residents that they should prepare for multiple weather hazards over the next 48 hours, including dense fog, dangerous heat, severe thunderstorms and the potential for localized flooding.
Temperatures will climb into the upper 80s and low 90s Wednesday afternoon, with heat index values reaching the mid-90s. Increasing humidity and an approaching cold front will create favorable conditions for severe thunderstorms later in the day.
The first round of storms is expected between 5 and 9 p.m. Wednesday. Forecasters warn that the strongest storms could produce damaging winds exceeding 60 mph, large hail, frequent lightning and torrential rainfall. Heavy downpours may lead to localized flooding, while strong winds could cause scattered tree damage and power outages.
Storm activity is expected to weaken later Wednesday night, although additional showers and thunderstorms remain possible.
Thursday is expected to be hot and humid once again, with temperatures nearing 90 degrees. While much of the daytime may remain dry, a second and potentially more significant round of severe weather is forecast to develop late Thursday afternoon and continue overnight.
Forecasters say Thursday’s storms could bring damaging winds, large hail, isolated tornadoes, intense lightning and very heavy rainfall. Southwest Lower Michigan remains under an Enhanced Risk for severe weather, indicating a greater likelihood of organized severe storms.
Rainfall totals through Thursday night are expected to range from 1 to 3 inches across Ottawa County, with isolated areas potentially receiving up to 4 inches where storms repeatedly track over the same locations. Localized flooding of roads, low-lying areas, urban locations and small streams is possible.
Residents are encouraged to secure outdoor items, charge electronic devices, monitor weather forecasts and have multiple ways to receive weather warnings, especially during the evening and overnight hours.
The threat of severe weather is expected to continue through Thursday night.
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